II. Indication
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip evaluation
III. Precautions
- Avoid performing Barlow Test forcefully or repeatedly (may worse instability)
IV. Mechanism
- Attempt to sublux unstable hip
- Perform with caution
- Examine each hip individually
V. Preparation
- Infant lying supine with diaper off
- Hips flexed to 90 degrees
VI. Technique
- Stabilize Pelvis
- Place index and middle finger over greater trochanter
- Place thumb medially at inner thigh inguinal crease
- Gently adduct the hip while applying gentle downward, posterior force
VII. Findings
- Positive if Hip Clunk felt on exam
- Represents dislocation of hip out of acetabulum
- Positive if reduced Hip Range of Motion in abduction
- Abduction less than 60 degrees OR
- Abduction more than 20 degrees difference between sides
VIII. Resources
- Physical Exam Maneuvers: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (AAFP)